Kidnapped Themes

Kidnapped immerses its characters in the unresolved tensions following the 1745 Jacobite uprising, a historical rebellion in which Charles Edward Stuart—“Bonnie Prince Charlie”—tried to reclaim the British throne for the House of Stuart. Though the rebellion ended in defeat at the Battle of Culloden, its impact lingered for years. The Highland clans that had supported the Jacobite cause faced harsh punishment: disarmament, cultural suppression, and the destruction of their way of life. In the novel…

In Kidnapped, trust is never simple, and betrayal often comes from the places David least expects. From the beginning, he moves through a world where promises mean little, and appearances deceive. The most jarring betrayal comes from within his own family. Hoping to connect with extended family after his father’s death, David instead finds an uncle, Ebenezer, who tries to kill him and then sells him into slavery. This act shatters the idea…

David Balfour’s journey in Kidnapped tells the story of a young man forced to grow up quickly as he navigates betrayal, hardship, and moral choice. At 17, David leaves his quiet village after his father’s death, hoping to connect with wealthy relatives and claim what he believes will be a noble inheritance. But instead of a warm welcome, he finds himself caught in a dangerous trap. His uncle, Ebenezer, is cold, paranoid, and…